Here’s a tight, homeowner-friendly playbook you can run the moment water is out. The goal is simple: move fast, stay safe, and document everything so you dry the building before mold owns the timeline. Use the timer below to see exactly what to do in each window—0–6 hours, 6–24 hours, and 24–48 hours.
Set your “water out” time to get a live countdown and the exact actions for each window. Check items off as you go.
When in doubt about structural damage, electricity, or extensive mold (>10 sq ft), stop and call a licensed pro.
Critical Path by Time Window
0–6 hours • “Stop the spread” ⏱️
- Kill power to wet areas at the breaker. If unsure, call an electrician.Safety first.
- Photograph every room (wide + close-ups) before moving anything.Needed for claims and scope of work.
- Remove standing water with pumps/wet-vac; push to floor drains.The first hour saves the next 24.
- Kickstart air movement: open doors, crack windows if outdoor humidity is lower; position fans to exhaust moist air out.
- Protect lungs/skin: N95 or half-mask (P100 preferred), nitrile gloves, eye protection.Mold spores and bacteria aerosolize fast.
- Bag and remove porous items soaked >24h (carpet pads, fiberboard, ceiling tiles).Porous + wet = mold starter.
6–24 hours • “Open & dry” 💨
- Set dehumidifiers (continuous). Target <60% RH indoors as quickly as possible.
- Pull baseboards; cut “flood cuts” in drywall at 2 ft or 4 ft if wicking is visible.Expose cavities so they can actually dry.
- HEPA vacuum visible silt/debris once surfaces are dry-to-touch; then clean with detergent solution.Avoid harsh chemicals on porous materials.
- Set box/axial fans to create one-way airflow: dry air in, damp air out. Don’t point fans at visible mold.
- Start a moisture log (see table below). Check walls, subfloors, and studs twice daily.
24–48 hours • “Verify & prevent regrowth” ✅
- Re-measure: walls, sill plates, subfloor. If readings plateau high, you need more air movement or dehumidification.
- Remove and discard any remaining non-cleanable porous materials that stayed wet (>10 sq ft contamination → consider a pro).
- Clean remaining hard, non-porous surfaces with detergent, rinse, dry, then HEPA vacuum again.
- When materials are back to target moisture (see table), begin rebuild planning. Keep dehumidifiers running until stable.
Drying Targets & Instruments
| Item | Target (typical) | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indoor relative humidity | 40–55% (acceptable: <60%) | — | Run dehumidifiers continuously; vent dryers/bath fans outside. |
| Softwood studs (pin meter) | ≤ 15–16% MC | Manual check | Compare against an unaffected area in the same building. |
| Subfloor plywood/OSB | ≤ 12–14% MC | Manual check | Edges dry last; don’t trap moisture under new flooring. |
| Drywall (non-flooded) | Comparable to interior reference with no visible wicking | Manual check | Use flood cuts if the paper face wicked water. |
Targets are typical residential guidelines; always follow local codes and manufacturer specs.
Supplies & Gear (Quick List)
Safety & Tools
- N95 or elastomeric half-mask (P100 filters preferred)
- Nitrile gloves, eye protection, rubber boots
- HEPA shop vacuum (not paper filter)
- Dehumidifier(s) with continuous drain
- Box/axial fans (airflow + exhaust)
- Moisture meter (pin-type recommended)
- Utility knives, pry bar (for baseboards, flood cuts)
Cleaning & Containment
- Heavy-duty contractor bags (tie and move outside)
- Detergent & warm water (general cleaning)
- Plastic sheeting & tape (protect clean areas)
- Disposable rags & microfiber cloths
- Non-sparking fans/cords (if in damp areas)
Avoid foggers and “bombs.” They spread spores and moisture—focus on drying, removal, and HEPA cleaning.
Do / Don’t (Fast Decisions)
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Prioritize drying + removal of wet porous materials. | Don’t spray bleach on drywall, carpet, or fabric and expect success. |
| Create one-way airflow: dry air in, moist air out. | Don’t recirculate damp air room-to-room. |
| HEPA vacuum after debris removal, then clean with detergent. | Don’t use high-pressure washing indoors—it drives moisture into cavities. |
| Wear PPE anytime you disturb materials. | Don’t run central HVAC through wet areas (spreads spores). |
Insurance Documentation Kit
- Room-by-room photo set (before/after, wide + detail) with timestamps.
- Moisture log (date/time, location, reading, instrument).
- Disposal log for unsalvageable items (what, quantity, approximate value).
- Invoices/receipts: fans, dehumidifiers, PPE, contractor time.
When to Call a Pro
- Moldy/contaminated area larger than about 10 sq ft (≈ a 3×3 ft patch).
- Complex assemblies: insulation behind walls, ductwork contamination, crawlspace intrusion.
- Electrical, gas, or structural concerns; black/gray water (sewage) incidents.
- Sensitive occupants (asthma, immunocompromised, infants/elderly).
After 48 Hours (If Still Damp)
If you haven’t reached targets, escalate: add dehumidification capacity, increase exhaust, open more cavities,
and consider a remediation professional for containment and removal plan. Keep documenting until readings stabilize.
